Candidates seeking jobs in food production, horticulture, or agriculture face unique challenges, ranging from the seasonal nature of agriculture work to the specialized knowledge and regulation requirements of horticulture and food production. Everything, from the timing of your application to the time of year, can influence the application process. Should you call after applying for a job in these fields? At what point in the process is the best time to call?
Should You Call After Applying for a Job in Agriculture?
Generally, experts agree that you should follow up after a job application, though this may not be true in every situation.
Advantages
Calling after applying can help you connect with the hiring manager. Your personality and your story don’t often show up well on a resume, but a short, friendly call with the person hiring can help them get a good feel for what you are like and what you can offer. A call is a great opportunity to clarify information on your application and shows that you are enthusiastic about the position.
Also, the agriculture, food production, and horticulture industries tend to be smaller and tight-knit, meaning that networking and relationships are important. By being willing to make connections via phone, along with leveraging connections you already have, you may get a job more easily.
Disadvantages
However, you can risk looking aggressive, unprofessional, or pushy if you call too soon. Especially with very formal application processes, there may be ag companies that don’t appreciate being reached out to before they make their choice on whether to interview you. They may consider it to be an interruption of their hiring process. Employers may indicate this on the job posting, so read each job posting thoroughly. Ignoring the request to not call can negatively affect your chances of getting hired.
Calling After Resume Submission
If you are very interested in a certain position or feel you are exceptionally qualified, you may want to follow up with a phone call or email. You might wonder, “How soon after applying for a job should I call?” Calling at some point after you submit your application may help you stand out among the sea of applicants that many job listings attract, but don't be too quick to pick up the phone.
Although you may be feeling anxious about your application or the position, it’s important to practice patience. Hiring teams often need time to receive and then process all the applications, and you don’t want to come across as desperate, either. Larger ag companies and corporations often take longer to weed through applications.
Wait for one to two weeks before following up by phone or email. By then, your potential employer will likely have information about interviews. Use this waiting period as a time to research the agribusiness and prepare for a potential interview.
Calling After an Interview
If a company chooses you for an interview and you go in, you could follow up with a phone call or send an email will help you stand out. Your chances are better if you remind them that you appreciate the time they’ve taken to interview you.
What To Say When Calling After Applying for a Job
Now that you know when you should call after applying for a job, you need to know what to say when it comes time to make the call.
Calling After Resume Submission
After waiting one to two weeks, you will, first, need to find the hiring manager’s contact information. Look on the company's website or the job listing. If you can only find an email, write them an email to follow up with your application.
When you make the call, keep it short. You are calling to remind the recruiter or hiring manager about the application. Being brief helps you look professional and interested. Simply introduce yourself, and mention that you’re calling about the position you applied to. Then let them guide the conversation.
You can prepare one or two questions that show you are invested in the position. Look over the job description again, research the company, and write a couple of questions that you would like to clarify about the job or the company’s mission or work culture.
Calling After an Interview
If a company chooses you to complete an interview, you should send a follow-up email within 24 hours. Thank the interviewer for their time and include something about the interview that stood out.
The hiring manager will often tell you that you’ll hear back within a certain amount of time; however, don’t worry if you don’t hear back before then. Wait at least a week before following up with a phone call or an email. If you call too soon, you may seem impatient. Don’t wait longer than two weeks to follow up, though, because they may make a decision before you get the chance to make another impression.
Make sure you have the number of the person who conducted the interview and call during the week. Mondays and Fridays are generally the worst days to call. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays before lunch are usually good times to reach a hiring manager.
What you should say in the phone call after an interview is different from what to say when calling after applying for a job. You should use the phone call to refresh their memory about your application and interview. Thank them for the opportunity and mention something you like about the business. Then, you can politely ask for an update on your application. Let them know how they can most easily contact you and your availability should they have any more questions for you.
Now You Know If You Should You Call After Applying for an Ag Job
If you’re looking for work in the agriculture, horticulture, or food production industry and wondering if should you call after applying for a job, the answer is generally yes. Most of the time, it will help you stand out and give you better chances of getting hired, especially in these fields where personal connections are highly valued. If you need further help or tips with your agriculture job search, visit us at AgHires.
